Thousands gather for opening of IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025 in Midrand
July 8, 2025
International and cross-sectoral collaboration will be key to addressing South Africa’s water and infrastructure challenges, according to speakers at the official opening of the fifth edition of IFAT Africa and the third analytica Lab Africa, which takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Organised by Messe Muenchen India and Messe München GmbH, the colocated IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa trade shows bring together under one roof the leading conference and trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling in Southern Africa, and South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics. By integrating these broad and overlapping water, waste and analytics ecosystems, the events extend discovery, networking and knowledge sharing for the thousands of delegates expected to attend the trade fairs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Boris Greifeneder, CEO of the German Water Partnership, said South Africa had real and urgent challenges in the areas of water supply, waste management and infrastructure resilience.
“On the other hand, South Africa also has enormous potential for transformation and innovation. Water is at the heart of both,” he said.
Challenges and opportunities
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Boris Greifeneder, CEO of the German Water Partnership, said South Africa had real and urgent challenges in the areas of water supply, waste management and infrastructure resilience.
“On the other hand, South Africa also has enormous potential for transformation and innovation. Water is at the heart of both,” he said.
“It is essential for growing populations and is also a strategic production factor. This makes water a key enabler for industrial development and economic competitiveness. South Africa, with its rich base of critical minerals and emerging cleantech sector, is positioning itself as a regional hub for future initiatives. Government initiatives already support investments in e-mobility, energy storage and localised production of clean technologies. But none of that will succeed without smart, sustainable water strategies in all fields of water management. This is where gatherings like IFAT Africa come in. At German Water Partnership, we commit expertise in water and wastewater management with partners worldwide and across the continent.”
Enrico Brandt, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, said: “This year, we meet in times of global uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping not only supply chains but also alliances and the way we cooperate. In addition we are facing the stark realities of the climate crisis - from the Texas floods to the California fires, from the floods in KwaZulu Natal to the heatwaves in Germany. These events are not tomorrows, they are here now and they are happening with increasing frequency.”
Brandt said: “It is against this background that we are here. It is clear that international cooperation in the water sector goes well beyond making money.”
He described IFAT Africa as a crucial platform for dialogue, exchange and practical, future-focused solutions. “It is precisely in times like these that we must cooperate and reinforce the value of partnerships. This is especially true for Europe and Africa, and Germany and South Africa in particular. Both counties are no global superpowers and both profit most from multilateralism, the rule of law and intensified cooperation. But without the private sector, all is nothing.”
“The good news is that in my capacity as Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Pretoria, I have the privilege of engaging with many innovative companies and private institutions. I am constantly impressed and inspired by their strength and creativity. They are indeed pacemakers. Over 600 German companies operate in South Africa, providing well over 100,000 direct jobs. Many of them are actively involved in transforming critical infrastructure, especially in the fields of water and sanitation, energy and circular economy systems. In addition, many of them provide excellent vocational training. That is why IFAT Africa and analytic Lab Africa matter - they are more than a trade fair. They are catalysts. They bring together innovators, policy makers, business leaders and communities to tackle shared challenges, especially in sectors where sustainable, climate resilient technologies are urgently needed.”
IFAT Africa, analytica Lab Africa highlights
Avisha Desai, Executive Director – IMEA & Consumer & Capital Goods Unity at Messe Muenchen India, said this year’s colocated events were the biggest joint edition yet. “Analytica Lab Africa will showcase laboratory, diagnostic and life science technologies, our CPD accredited Lab Forum tackles real challenges with our industry leading speakers.
At a time when sustainability solutions are more crucial, IFAT Africa brings together the industry pioneers, policy makers and innovators who are shaping the environmental future. Our conference programme features over 200 speakers across four stages, representing sectors’ most influential topics and addressing critical needs,”she said.
Katharina Schlegel, Global Industry Lead IFAT, Project Director IFAT trade fairs abroad, said the event, which started in 2015 with a small conference and just a few tabletop exhibitors, has grown significantly to become a real success story. “It also shows the need for this industry in Africa and all over the world.”
She noted that IFAT is staged around the world, with 12 international shows, with its newest edition to launch in Saudi Arabia.
Susanne Grödl, Exhibition Director - analytica worldwide shows, said this year sees the third edition of analytica Lab Africa. “We started in 2019, and the show has developed well over the years. We have 140 exhibitors and are expecting over 4800 visitors. We are very proud to have a huge German delegation with a pavilion and 13 exhibitors, as well pavilions from China and the UK. analytica shows are also run worldwide, and the next show will take place in the US from 10-12 September in Columbus, Ohio, and after that we will run the show in Hyderabad, India from 18-20 September.”
Grödl adds: “The significance of the laboratory industry extends beyond the confines of the medical sector. The utilisation of laboratory and analytical equipment is an essential component of industrial operations, encompassing a wide range of sectors. Analysis is instrumental in ensuring the quality and safety of our food, pharmaceutical products and medicine. Laboratory equipment plays a pivotal role in the chemical industry and the analysis of water quality. The utilisation of laboratory and analytical equipment is helping to ensure consumer protection and is contributing to enhanced research and development in industry and science.
Steve B Sidney, Executive Director of the National Laboratory Association (NLA), said:
“The longevity of IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa is an indication of how much it is needed. This kind of event offers a unique opportunity for parties to meet, and we encourage them to network and make the right connections.”
Sidney noted: “There's a great emphasis today on AI and ML, but it’s important that we recognise that it’s only as important as the data it has. You cannot expect ML and AI to replace people. The NLA represents people, and people are the ones that design AI systems. It's important that we continue to attract and support individuals to harness AI.”
IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa are being held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 8 - 10 July 2025. At the conferences and forums to be staged throughout the event, burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at IFAT Africa, while the analytica Lab Africa Laboratory Forum, panel discussions, presentations and demonstrations will highlight priorities such as quality assurance, the regulatory environment, and sustainable practices.